Andy Murray was one of the best players in the modern era and showed an immense love for tennis, choosing not to give up even when his body decided to quit. The former Scottish champion’s career seemed to be drawing to a close five years ago when he appeared in tears before reporters at the 2019 Australian Open.
The former world number 1 has had serious hip problems in his last years of career, but a delicate and innovative surgery allowed him to return to high level play against all odds. Despite the efforts and hard work, the three-time Grand Slam champion has not returned to the levels of the past and was no longer competitive to win major tournaments, but he represented an example of resilience for all the other tour players.
Andy suffered a back injury this year just before the Wimbledon Championships and had to undergo yet another surgery. The British legend has pushed the times and was able to play for the last time in the doubles championships with his brother Jamie. Murray was also supposed to play the mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu, but the winner of the US Open 2021 chose to retire generating many controversies. The Scotsman played his last tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressing a great tennis in doubles with Dan Evans.
Murray is a true legend
Despite playing in the same era as the Big 3 (Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer), ‘Muzza’ won a lot and became number 1 in the world shocking fans. Murray continues to be an example for all young British players, including Jack Draper. One of the most beautiful surprises of this edition of the US Open is certainly Jack Draper, who became the first Briton to reach the quarterfinals of the US Open after Andy Murray in 2016.
The 22-year-old reached his first quarter-final in Flushing Meadows with a flawless run, not losing a set. Last victim, Czech ace Tomas Machac, also from a brilliant period of form, but paved by Draper with a score of 6-3 6-1 6-2. At the end of his round of 16, the current number 25 in the world expressed its satisfaction with the result achieved, then gave some nice words to a master like Murray.
The English tennis player commented on his performance with Machac: “I thought that the last few times we played was a very hard battle. I thought today I played at a decent level, he was maybe a little out of shape but I had to stay strong in the points and it was great playing here on Louis Armstrong. Last year I lost here in the same shift, so it’s nice to come back and do better this year”. The 22-year-old added, “I just have to keep going. I have great people around me and I like playing here in New York… I like to play on the big stage”.
The Sutton-born tennis player finally spoke about his relationship with Andy Murray, a British tennis legend and inspiration for Jack. “Obviously I miss Andy very much, he is an icon of this sport. I miss his presence in the locker room, I miss being near his stinky shoes and her stinky clothes. If I could get at least half of what he got in his career, then I would be a happy man. He is a legend” concluded Draper. In the quarterfinals, the Briton will face Australian ace Alex De Minaur.
A role model for everyone
Draper commented on Andy’s retirement: “lt was amazing. Andy’s been such a role model and an inspiration for me throughout the years,” Draper said. “I think to be at his last event was incredible. Obviously, what he’s done for the sport and done for British tennis, hopefully I can take it forward from here.
To be a part of the team and to be at his last event, having watched when he was younger, what he’s achieved and stuff, that was really special and a real honour for me. Hopefully, he’s going to stick around and not be a stranger. He’ll still be around and give advice and be a good friend.”
The former Scottish champion literally destroyed his body to try and get closer to the level of the Big 3, a choice that prevented him from remaining competitive for a longer period of time. Recently, Austrian ace Dominic Thiem – who played his last Grand Slam tournament at the US Open – admitted how hard it was to compete with those three legends and how much the body has suffered for that reason.
